The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has disclosed that the bloc recently provided €1.5 million to support victims of the Yelwata attacks and other Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.
Mignot revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
In June 2025, suspected bandits attacked Yelwata Community in Benue State, killing over 100 people and displacing many residents.
According to Mignot, the EU’s support includes €250,000 in humanitarian aid to IDPs and funding for long-term social protection projects in Benue State.
“After the attack, some of the support was specifically focused on IDPs. We also had broader social protection projects in Benue, covering over 3,000 displaced persons,” he said.
He explained that while humanitarian aid had already been delivered, other projects would take a long-term approach aimed at integrating affected persons into federal and state social protection systems.
Mignot added that the assistance would enable displaced persons to either return home or integrate into host communities, depending on their preference.
“The EU will continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He also noted that the EU supports programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.
Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to protecting all communities, particularly minorities, and upholding freedom of religion and belief across Nigeria.
